Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Identify These Legendary NBA Trash Talkers?

Beth Hendricks

Image: Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

Michael Jordan, at his prime during his Chicago Bulls days, is widely regarded by many as the greatest to have ever played in the NBA. His career numbers are ones that every player who enters the NBA longs for: 30 points per game, along with six rebounds and five assists. His list of accomplishments is a mile long and includes six NBA titles and being named the NBA scoring champion 10 different times. But, one of Jordan's most well-known career accomplishments lives outside the record books, and that's his reputation for being a champion-caliber trash talker.

Trash talk in the NBA (or any sport, for that matter) is nothing new, but Jordan ranks near the top of most every "All-Time NBA Trash Talkers" list. He once famously said to fellow NBA star and then-rookie Reggie Miller, after outscoring him 40-2, "Be sure, and be careful, you never talk to Black Jesus like that." For the record, Miller went on to be a pretty skilled trash talker himself.

So, let's take a walk through the annals of NBA history and see who "talked the (trash) talk" the best. Look at these hints and see if you can guess who was the trashiest trash talker of all time, from Black Jesus to some of today's most promising candidates for the Top Trash Talker title.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which career baller for the Oklahoma City Thunder claims he has a trash-talking strategy where he only engages when provoked?

Russell Westbrook

LaMarcus Aldridge

MarShon Brooks

Jimmy Butler

Russell Westbrook has been aboard the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2008 and has seen his fair share of teammates come and go over the years. That's enough to make anyone salty, but Westbrook claims he won't trash talk for no reason. Instead, he asserts that he will spout off if someone is talking crazy to him.

Wiki Commons by Asim Bharwani

Which former Charlotte Bobcats player was noted for trash-talking Michael Jordan, his boss at the time?

Larry Bird

Patrick Beverley

Stephen Jackson

Carmelo Anthony

Stephen Jackson was playing for the Bobcats (now the Hornets) when Jordan (who owns the team) decided to play in a pick-up game with the current players. Jackson was quick to let Jordan know that the past was just that and he would manhandle him now. Jackson later admitted he lost that battle.

Wiki Commons by Dave Hogg

Which of these NBA players' trash talk game was so epic that Nintendo created its own video game using his name?

Seth Curry

Bill Laimbeer

DeMar DeRozan

Reggie Miller

"Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball" hit store shelves in 1991, an invention of Nintendo that drew on Laimbeer's reputation as one of the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons. The Pistons retired Laimbeer's jersey in 1995.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which of these NBA stars famously responded, "I called game" when asked if he called bank after a game-winning shot?

Draymond Green

Chris Webber

Paul Pierce

Jalen Rose

Paul Pierce's tenure in the NBA just so happened to coincide with a period of intense trash talk. One of his most infamous moments came when he sank a game-winning shot against Al Harrington, calling "game" on a heated match-up.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which of these superstar athletes' trash talk game was so fiery, he made his point without saying anything at all?

Allen Iverson

Dennis Rodman

Charles Barkley

Spud Webb

Allen Iverson's infamous (and literal) step over the Lakers' Tyronn Lue after making a long two will go down in history as a trash talk highlight that didn't involve any words at all. The movement highlighted the trash talk that had gone on throughout the first game of the 2001 Finals.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which NBA trash talker recognized his own limitations when trying to trade barbs with Tim Duncan?

Tony Parker

Blake Griffin

Vincent Edwards

Draymond Green

Draymond Green has quickly climbed the NBA's well-known trash talkers list, but even he realized he was out of his league when going up against career-long San Antonio Spur, Tim Duncan. Green recounted an attempt to get under Duncan's skin, which Duncan didn't respond to. Green said Duncan's lack of reaction was enough for him to never try it again.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which three-time NBA champion trash-talked an entire team at once, referring to the Sacramento Kings as the Sacramento Queens?

Tim Duncan

Shaquille O'Neal

Ron Artest

Kobe Bryant

Though the comment that would probably get him in immense trouble today, Shaq was well-known for his trash-talking jabs during his playing days, including a diss intended toward the Sacramento Kings. Shaq later apologized, but now a broadcaster, he still finds ways to take jabs.

Wiki Commons by Philadelphia 76ers

Which of these great NBA shooters took trash talking to the stands, taunting one particular famous fan?

Reggie Miller

John Wall

Serge Ibaka

Kyrie Irving

Reggie Miller's choke sign, aimed at film director Spike Lee – an avid Knicks fan – came following a 1994 playoff game in which Miller racked up nearly 40 points. Miller took the opportunity to turn his trash talk to the Knicks' famous sideline presence.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which of these former Lakers' trash talk game was so ruthless it was even directed at his own teammates?

Kevin Durant

Charles Barkley

Chris Webber

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant played no favorites when it came to talking trash. It might have been an opponent or, just as likely, a teammate that drew Kobe's ire. Once, he said one of his teammate's shouldn't have been playing in the NBA.

Wiki Commons by Gallery 2 Images

Which of these former NBA ballers considered trash talk just another part of the game and famously said, "I'm not a role model."

Charles Barkley

Michael Jordan

Ray Allen

Vince Carter

Charles Barkley's belief was that trash talk was part of the game and served to get inside the opponent's head. When people would get upset over his comments, Barkley would simply tell them he wasn't a role model. His opinionated ways sometimes still come out as a broadcaster.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which NBA player's trash-talking ways earned him multiple technical fouls – and the admiration of fans?

Shawn Marion

Joakim Noah

Rasheed Wallace

Hakeem Olajuwon

Rasheed Wallace's trash talk didn't sit well with NBA officials, who would frequently throw a technical foul in the Detroit Pistons' direction. Fans thought it pretty comical, however, belting out "Sheeeeeed!" every time like a badge of honor.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which of these former athletes' most infamous trash-talking incident included calling an opposing coach a "Smurf?"

Gary Payton

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Walt Frazier

Manu Ginobili

Gary Payton's trash talk game knew no bounds; it extended beyond opposing players to coaches on opposing sidelines. He once told former Timberwolves coach, Sidney Lowe: "Sit down, you Smurf!"

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

The former NBA baller's trash talk involving Carmelo Anthony's wife might be NSFW. Who was the offender?

Kevin McHale

LeBron James

Kevin Garnett

Russell Westbrook

Kevin Garnett would go straight for the jugular with his trash talk. Some of his more infamous moments include telling a player with alopecia that he looked like a cancer patient, and making an R-rated comment about Carmelo's wife and Honey Nut Cheerios. (Google that one.)

Wiki Commons by Steven Carter

He shoots, he scores! Which of these legendary NBA stars started talking trash to the opposing bench before the shot ever went in?

Lamar Odom

James Harden

Dwight Howard

Larry Bird

Tales of Larry Bird's savage trash talk are told far and wide, including one particularly lethal story where he predicted his three-point shot to end – and win – the game. While the ball is still in the air, Bird turns to the opposing bench and yells, "Told you so," and trots straight to the locker room.

Wiki Commons by Lipofski Basketballphoto.com

Eyes wide shut: Which NBA athlete trash-talked an opponent with, "This one's for you," and then proceeded to shoot a free throw with his eyes closed?

Michael Jordan

Shaquille O'Neal

Kyle Lowry

Chris Quinn

With Jordan at the free throw line in a 1991 game against the Denver Nuggets, His Airness threw a little trash talk Dikembe Mutombo's way, saying "This one's for you," and making a free throw with his eyes closed.

Wiki Commons by Brent Burford

Which of these new NBA stars has said he enjoys taking his trash talk from the court to Twitter?

Chris Paul

Joel Embiid

Buddy Hield

Nick Young

Joel Embiid has helped revive the trash talk the NBA has long been known for (but had somewhat tapered off) since entering the league in 2014. Embiid has been known to trash talk the entire game and then continue his chatter on social media.

Wiki Commons by Mike

Which of these NBA stars' pre-game trash-talking session got him a little extra attention from the officials during the actual game?

Damian Lillard

Dominique Wilkins

Trae Young

DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins' pre-game trash talk warm-up with Enes Kanter earned him a bit of extra attention from the officials once the game kicked off. The NBA heard about the pairs' interaction hours ahead of the tip and made sure the officials knew.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Maybe not the most original retort, but which of these NBA stars yelled "Bite me!" to a fan who told him he sucked?

Glen Rice

Chris Paul

Kevin Love

Andre Iguodala

Chris Paul has been known as quite the talker during games; in fact, he is well known for talking all game long, including to fans he hears in the stands. One fan got an invitation to "bite" Paul.

Wiki Commons by Walter Huang

This old-school NBA star is still talking trash almost 20 years after retiring... about current players!

Dennis Rodman

Tom Owens

John Stockton

Moses Malone

Just a few months ago, cameras caught up to Dennis Rodman, who never misses an opportunity to talk trash. This one may have been warranted, however, directed at Joel Embiid's opinion of Michael Jordan as the GOAT.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Following a particularly gruesome injury he caused, which NBA athlete refused to shake hands with his victim because he was a "substitute?"

Rashard Lewis

Pau Gasol

Metta World Peace

Kobe Bryant

So much for having the word "peace" in your name! After elbowing James Harden (for which he received a suspension), Metta World Peace told the press he wouldn't shake Harden's hand because, "I don't shake substitutes' hands." Alrighty then.

When asked by the media about the game's biggest trash talkers, Steph Curry knew his pick: Nate Robinson. Curry said when Robinson was a Warrior that he would talk trash everywhere, from the locker room to an airplane.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

LeBron never responded to this guy's trash talk except once to say, "What is wrong with you?" Who was he talking to?

Lance Stephenson

Dwayne Wade

Chauncey Billups

Carmelo Anthony

Lance Stephenson is an epic trash-talker but was never able to get a reaction from one of the league's best: LeBron. There was one time, however, that must have pushed James over the edge. He he looked at Stephenson and responded, "What is wrong with you?"

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Which NBA legend talked trash in a sly way, with a subtle laugh or a grin?

Horace Grant

Rick Barry

Magic Johnson

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan was often referred to as the quiet assassin during his playing days, but that doesn't mean he wasn't able to dish the trash. Duncan preferred his signature sly, in-game smile or laugh to let opponents know how he was really feeling.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Name the basketball star who returned a brutal staredown with the words, "You're down 20, homie."

Bobby Jones

Steph Curry

Kevin Durant

Kyle Lowry

Kevin Durant's trash-talking game has grown over the past few years. One recent episode saw him return a staredown from Chris Paul with the quip, "You're down 20, homie." Ouch.

Wiki Commons by Richard Chan

The dunk wasn't enough? Which of these players used to dunk on his opponents and then give his dunks over-the-top names right from the court?

Which former NBA player used an opponent's teammate as a weapon in his trash talk?

John Wall

Larry Johnson

Scottie Pippen

Michael Jordan

Larry Johnson had had enough of Scottie Pippen's trash talk and finally decided to clap back with some commentary of his own. Johnson went for the jugular, telling Pippen to just "give the ball to 23 to bail you out," a reference to Pippen's teammate, Michael Jordan.

Wiki Commons by inboundpass

Nothing was off-limits to this guy. Which former NBA athlete used to make his trash talk personal?

John Havlicek

Gary Payton

Kyle Korver

Dirk Nowitzki

Gary Payton's record as a trash talker was well-known throughout the NBA, but Payton used to make it personal. He would attack players' personal situations -- or even family members -- when trying to get under another person's skin.

Wiki Commons by Frenchieinportland

Which of these players got ejected for trash talk during the 2019 NBA playoffs and then kept talking after the game?

Steph Curry

Kevin Johnson

Kyrie Irving

Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley's war of words with Kevin Durant got them both ejected from game 1 of the playoffs' opening round. When asked about it later, Beverley continued his terse talk, saying, "I can’t say, I might get fined."

Fox / ELP Communications / Columbia Pictures Television

Which of these former basketball stars once said, "If you intimidate a guy, you've done your job?"

Ray Allen

Xavier McDaniel

Chauncey Billups

Michael Jordan

For Xavier McDaniel, intimidating other players through his trash talk was just a part of the job. McDaniel, who had more than a dozen actual fights during his rookie season, said he had to send a message to other players that he wasn't one to back down.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

This guy took down an entire city with his trash talk, saying, "Cleveland really sucks." Who did it?

"The Mailman don't deliver on Sundays" was trash talk directed at Karl Malone. Who was on the delivering end of this barb?

Michael Jordan

Charles Barkley

Scottie Pippen

Shaquille O'Neal

Scottie Pippen delivered perhaps one of the best trash talk lines of all time, using Malone's nickname, "The Mailman." Malone earned the nickname in college because he always delivered, but Pippen clearly thought otherwise.

Wiki Commons by Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com

This former NBA player let it be known that current players' antics wouldn't have lasted long in the 1990s. Who schooled the new guys?

Michael Jordan

John Starks

Clyde Drexler

George Gervin

Former Knick John Starks was known as a pretty good trash talker in his day, and it apparently hasn't ended. Not too long ago, he gave his take on some current players' behavior, saying, "... he would probably have gotten checked real quick for his antics.”

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Trash talk doesn't always mean a lack of respect. Which of these former NBA players earned the respect of legend Larry Bird for his talk that he backed up with his play?

Chuck Person

Michael Jordan

Scottie Pippen

Charles Barkley

Chuck Person had a mouth on him, that's for sure. But, he backed up his talk with his play, earning him the respect of legends like Larry Bird. Bird said of Person that he appreciated the fire Person brought to the court.

Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky

Despite retiring in 2004, which of these former NBA athletes is still taking every opportunity to trash talk his former opponents?

Dale Davis

Charles Oakley

Chris Webber

Wilt Chamberlain

Charles Oakley is still gunning for Charles Barkley, taking pot shots at the now-broadcaster for "hiding" behind his TV gig. Oakley pulled no punches, telling Barkley he was never tough when the two met on the court.

Wiki Commons by Daveg023

Never one to shy away from trash talk during his playing career, which of these former NBA stars recently threw shade at a current player for trying to build a "super team?"

Patrick Ewing

Hakeem Olajuwon

Serge Ibaka

Bernard King

Patrick Ewing knew a thing or two about playing with some great athletes, having been a part of Dream Team in 1992. Yet, Ewing said he never would have tried to unite all of those players on the same team, as the NBA is somewhat experiencing today, because of great rivalries that existed in his day.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

His civic duty? Which of these NBA stars, renowned for his trash talk, tries to use it on his own teammates as "motivation?"

Lonzo Ball

Russell Westbrook

Bernard King

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo has been well-known throughout his career as one to dish out plenty of trash talk. As a teammate to Lonzo Ball, Rondo has admitted to using his trash talk on his own team to help motivate the NBA newcomer.

Wiki Commons by David Shankbone

Which of these NBA fixtures has a record of trash-talking multiple athletes without setting foot on the court?

Kobe Bryant

Spike Lee

Patrick Beverley

Drake

The most famous feuds film director Spike Lee engaged in were clashes with Reggie Miller. Though Miller has moved on from the NBA, Knicks superfan Lee continues to engage in a war of words with plenty of current players.

Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore

Which of these NBA owners has racked up the fines – millions, in fact – for trash talking anyone in his vicinity?

Grant Hill

Mark Cuban

Jerry Reinsdorf

Wyc Grousbeck

For most people, nearly $3 million in fines would be an insurmountable expense to pay. For Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, it's just another day at the office. Cuban's verbal tirades know no boundaries. He's directed them at officials and said controversial things in the media.

ESPN

Keep it in the basketball family. Which of these sibling duos used to talk trash each other?

Cheryl Miller and Reggie Miller

Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez

Jarron Collins and Jason Collins

Jeff Van Gundy and Stan Van Gundy

Cheryl and Reggie Miller, the first brother-sister duo in the Basketball Hall of Fame, used to talk trash to each other as only siblings can. Though they never met on the court, it didn't stop the pair from taking jabs at one another when they could.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

This NBA coach developed quite a reputation for mocking fans and taking shots at team owners. Who is this retired trash talker?

Steve Kerr

Mike D'Antoni

Luke Walton

Phil Jackson

Maybe he earned it for all the success he had. Former coach Phil Jackson wasn't known for shying away from turning up the trash talk, taking players, fans and even team owners to task whenever he felt like it.

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